music

Today is International Women’s Day and thought how male-dominated Bluesdoodles the ration is dismal not deliberately but how music is promoted perhaps or internal and unrecognized biases.

As a woman and blogger of music, it dawned on me that this needed to be rectified not for one day but every day. So to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018 a new page is being launched Women In Music.

The Women In Music Zone is a place for women involved in the music business, singers, musicians and as importantly women involved across the industry. Photographers, Sound & Lighting Engineers, Producers, Promoters, bloggers etc.

This is a place for all women involved in Music who celebrate their art through Blues, Americana, Roots and Rock music the focus of Bluesdoodles.

Welcome aboard and join the day women’s voices were heard louder with confidence.

Email your story to liz@bluesdoodles.com and get involved with Bluesdoodles Women in Music. Today and every day.

Cameo of Rob Tognoni live Performance Centre Stage Skegness 2018

Marmite of the blues from Tasmania via Germany Rob Tognoni gave the devils music a rocking workout across the Centre Stage. On Centre Stage heard and loved the range of blues of every hue across the weekend.

Joining Rob Tognoni on stage for the ultimate power trio a rhythm section that allows his trusty guitar to deliver. A sound full of energy and tonal magic. The guitar may be travel-worn, battered and bruised the sound is addictive as he pulls you into the party-time rock n’ roll sound via influences from Rory Gallagher woven deep into the sound. Rob, is no clone of Rory other influence pulled from playing Blues-rock live, loud and with vigour caught by your ear as a fleeting moment a soupçon of Hendrix, and curl of AC/DC and a huge dollop of his own effervescent style. Today has he hit the stage he was on sparkling good form in his shirt red, shiny and bright reflecting is wild personality.

His guitar is like a third limb connected with an invisible chord that electrifies his whole performance. He is the ultimate show-off with a set that delights and Dark Angel blow you away, allowing the trio of Rob, Mike Hellier drumming and bassist Gaz Rackman interact with each other with an explosive sound on a Sunday afternoon in Skegness.

Day Of Music Celebrating Life Cancer On The Rocks

Rick Palin of Skyfire Interactive has announced today a new event Cancer On The Rocks. The acts are varied and are mostly rock and blues. The event is close to Rick’s heart. This event is fundraising for Macmillan with the goal on the day is to raise £10,000.00 for the charity.

Background to Day Of Music Celebrating Life Cancer On The Rocks

In August Rick’s Father died of cancer, his death hit him very hard, especially the feeling of feeling so completely powerless to help him. The one constant that got me through the desperate times was the help and support given by Macmillan. They were such a support to both me and my dad and I will never forget what they did for him and in fact still are doing to help me. Having seen so many people die from cancer this year, including close family and friends, Rick is sickened to the stomach the number of people this disease is killing. Rick, made a vow to do something to help Macmillan as I thought simply writing them a £500 cheque was insufficient and a mere drop in the ocean in this horrible war. The outcome The Cancer On The Rocks. Whereon one day an 11 band spectacular taking place in Nantwich, Cheshire in January 2018.

This day is not just about raising funds for Macmillan it is about something equally special, it is about celebrating life.

Day Of Music Celebrating Life Cancer On The Rocks – Tickets go on sale today HERE

Every penny raised will go to Macmillan, so come along, have a fantastic day with some amazing bands and know that you are doing something important to help save lives.

Jeff Beck Live At The Hollywood Bowl Out October 2017

Jeff Beck Live At The Hollywood Bowl Out October 2017. Eagle Rock Entertainment are proud to announce the release on 6 October 2017 of the “Live At The Hollywood Bowl” DVD, Blu-ray and DVD + 2CD from the incomparable Jeff Beck. This release captures the moment, in the summer of 2016, when Jeff Beck celebrated 50 years of his musical career with a special concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. A fantastic line-up of guest artists joined him on stage and the show includes For Your Love, Beck’s Bolero, ’Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers, Big Block, Over Under Sideways Down, A Day In The Life, Blue Wind and more!

The set list reached back to his first recordings with The Yardbirds in 1966 and came right up to date with tracks from his most recent album “Loud Hailer.” As the evening progressed he was joined by many of the great musicians he has collaborated with over the years including Billy F. Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Hall, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart and Steven Tyler. The show climaxed with the guests all joining forces for an exhilarating encore performance of “Purple Rain” in tribute to Prince, who had passed away a couple of months before the concert.

With “Live At The Hollywood Bowl”, Jeff Beck marks his half century of incredible music in true style. This is a party like none other, hosted by one of the finest guitarists and performers ever joined by a cavalcade of special guests.

All cylinders are furiously firing,Dan Reed Network are back all guns blazing. With the recent release of their critically acclaimed album“Fight Another Day”safely in their pockets, the band have indulged Europe and the States in a fiery return to the touring circuit.

To celebrate their upcoming special guest appearance on EXTREME’S December UK tour, on Monday 31st July, Dan Reed Network will launch the official music video for their single “Infected”

“DRN is honoured to be touring with EXTREME this December in the UK,” says Dan Reed. “The funk rock scene of the late 80’s early 90’s was an exciting, inventive era in the music scene and to be sharing the stage with one of a handful of bands that championed that movement will be nothing but good times on stage for us, and a raucous experience for the audience. This tour promises to be an adrenaline fuelled evening of soaring melodies, infectious grooves and a party atmosphere that we in the band are truly excited about being a part of, and we are tremendously grateful to be on the road with such a talented and innovative band. Time to funk it up big time!”

“If the Dan Reed Network is headed for a venue near you, grab a ticket for what is a terrific – if unorthodox – night of music experience that is sure to set your heart beating dangerously fast.”Terry Caster – Yorkshire Evening Post“Dan Reed Network’s second coming is a shining recent example of an audience keeping the faith and a band rediscovering its mojo. Long may they, and their loyal followers, prosper.”David Randall – Get Ready To Rock

“You just have to take one look at the stage, you see a band who is enjoying every moment of this ride, they have a new lease of life. Each member of the group is beaming from the stage throughout.”Adam Kennedy – National Rock Review

“When I hear an actual piper starting up Scotland the Brave, I figure that someone has it as their ringtone. As far as entrances go, this is right up there with Freddie Mercury aloft Darth Vader’s shoulders. You literally had to be there.”Dave Stott – Devil’s Gate Media

Bluesdoodles said about Fight Another Day “The choreography of sound creates a soundscape of words often thought-provoking against a rock melody that wraps you in a comfort blanket of sound. ….. the band is definitely Standing Tall as the last notes fade with Funk Rock reinvented for today while still true to the fans of the 1980’s”. Read More……

Bluesdoodles Saw DNR live “With the refrain She Is Everything, I thought yes and so has Dan Reed Network. Combining Rock with twists and twirls of modern music a multiplicity of tempos, tone and perfect timing.” Read More……

Bluesdoodles Picks of 2016 Recorded Music

What a fabulous year for music at Bluesdoodles HQ. I have enjoyed listening to all the recorded music sent. Liz makes a note (must do better in 2017 and review more! I have started a new hopefully more organised system!).

Album Highlights 2016

One Hundred and Forty-eight reviewed. What an array of music from Folk to Metal Rock to Blues. The genre to everyone at Bluesdoodles HQ is unimportant, that is a marketing tool it is whether the music vibes hits our collective DNA. Liz, Kevin & Othello a very discerning Bandana wearing Labradoodle.

Album of 2016

Now this was difficult almost impossible with so many contenders With Thirty-Six albums with the Ten-Doodle Paw accolade considered throughout December. what a delight to play and listen to them all again. The final choice is mine, yes it is subjective and has changed there are many that have not been mentioned that will continue to be regularly played and enjoyed in the House of Bluesdoodles

Album of The Year 2016

I wrote when I reviewed in September that it was a contender for album of the year I was right. The fire in the album burns brightly from the floor to the heavens. Beth Hart, Fire On The Floor has gathered together a dozen tracks that flow and warm up the speakers with a raw, charismatic and open delivery of intensely personal emotionally driven lyrics. Fire On The Floor is a majestic album and will burn brightly long after 2016 fades into a memory.

Blues Album Of The Year

Ride Or Die, is a journey full of colour and texture in the tone. With flashes of blue and twists of granite rock and country green woven into a musical tuned magic carpet. This is an album that takes you on a journey full of anguish, hurt, pain and the pleasures of living life where you Ride or Die whatever your journey remember hope will be present.

Folk/Roots/Acoustic Album of The Year

Roots wither and die whether music or plants without green shoots. Red Dirt Skinners are an imaginative duo creating beautiful shoots of glittering music that will ensure roots/country music will continue to thrive Behind the Wheel. With this, their fifth album, the duo with the unique combination of acoustic guitar, drum and saxophone have made a noise that pleases all who listen.

Female Artist Album of The Year

Live Album

All twelve tracks have a purpose and in addition to the new arrangements and musicianship we have the blending, and mixing of British traditional music and blues in many guises and the common heritage of themes, lyrics and melodies the two traditions share.A definite for your acoustic collection. I recommend close the curtains block out the world, sit back and be absorbed into the music and the power of the lyrics.

Celebration Album of The Year

Celebrating twenty-Five years of playing live with the band a trio od CD’s celebrate the enigmatic and varied tones that the wandering troubadour Ian Siegal delivers and delights.This is the Opus Majus of an artist who whether playing solo, as a duo or with a band electric or acoustic always entertains and the box set does just that. You would be Hard Pressed to find a better collection and this is a trio of delights that will never be sent to Quarantine

Rock

The energy flows in a studio album that has a live, raw edgy feel and at the same time everything has its place and has been considered. Kentucky has a flow, no songs feel forced or put in as a filler this is Black Stone Cherry entertaining through the medium of brilliant rock grinding, demanding and immensely listenable.

Blues Rock

The combination of powerful lyrics, blues guitar of such purity it makes you weep and a Nimmo’s vocals we can be sure The Sky Won’t Fall when there is music of this magnitude being created. The album is a mix of tones, texture and tempos. Seven tracks in and you are Still Hungry for more music. This is power-driven rock-blues of the highest order. A track that would work well if stood out alone, surely this will get acres of radio play. It is full of smokey riffs, power and rocks your socks off!

Overseas Artist

Introvertigo with its carefully crafted lyrics that blend urbane wit and honest observation, this is blues pertinent to today’s lifestyles, not so much whiskey and women more the corruption of power and social interaction. Ten tracks there are no fillers every number is full of strength and tonal power but there is not an off note or lyric. This has been achieved by production that keeps the live heat flowing from guitar and vocals.

Debut Albums

There are three that really made us sit up and listen:-

Inglorious – Self-titled album reviewed late January. We are licking our lips and tuning our ears for the follow-up album early in 2017. Inglorious are stupendous live getting better with every performance the expectations are very high for 2017!

Broken Witt Rebels – Georgia Pines Reviewed in February. A perfectly formed EP leaving you wanting to hear more. An album with Huge Guitar Riffs and vocals that delight. Fingers-crossed a full album is out soon consolidating the marker they set down in 2016.

Sari Schorr and The Engine Room – A Force Of Nature, Reviewed in August.Sari Drives the Blues, bringing a wealth of experience from life, influencing her songwriting and vocal delivery. Looking forward to Sari playing live in 2017 and hopefully will be back in the studio very soon.

RavenEye – Nova – Frontiers Music s.r.l The album’s name NOVA is a perfect reflection of the explosion of recognition that RavenEye has achieved in such a short time. The band is a rock explosion they certainly have suddenly brightened the firmament of the British rock scene and will be shining their Supanova Rock for many years to come.

Special Mentions

Kaz Hawkins – Feelin’ Good an album full of Kaz sparkle and joy. Having won the Blues Challenge organised by UKBluesFederation. We wish you well as you head for the 34th International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2017. This is the first time that British Blues has been in the challenge. Then she will be representing British Blues in Denmark at the European Blues Challenge a busy start for 2017.

ZEAL & ARDOR SIGN TO MVKA

SINGLE AND ALBUM RELEASE PLANS ANNOUNCED

LIVE SHOWS IN APRIL 2017

The forthcoming album ‘Devil Is Fine’ – set for release February 24, 2017 – thematically revolves around more typical black metal fare – rituals, human sacrifice, fire, and blood. Zeal & Ardor take the blaspheme up a notch by delivering the lyrics in the fashion of slave spirituals sung by chain gangs. Black metal from the cotton fields.

Zeal & Ardor is the one-man brainchild of Swiss-American musician Manuel Gagneux. His approach draws on an alternate history and stems from two thoughts: Christianity was imposed upon American slaves (just as it was imposed in Norway) and black metal in the ‘90s grew as a rebellion to monotheism. What would have happened if American slaves had rebelled in the same way? Or put bluntly: what would satanic spirituals sound like?

The double first single, which includes album title track ‘Devil Is Fine’ and ‘Children’s Summon’, is set for release in Europe on November 11. Pre-orders for the ‘Devil Is Fine’ album, described by Noisey as “one of the year’s most intriguing”, launch the same day.

Having listened to the single’s first side Devil Is Fine, not once, twice or three times it has left me a mixture of excited, intrigued and confused. This is not Blues simply revisited and rewritten it has been re-imagined as to what the voices of slaves would sound like today. The sound is a mash-up as the essence of blues meets metal and gospel colliding with electronica. The beat is pagan, the chains clang with painful memories and the music is totally dark and modern as the holler of the chain gang rings loud and clear. The pain is deep with the vocals full of open pain and anguish. This is a loud message that will gain attention across the genres of music. The genre is mixed and has been garnering attention online since April 2016 belongs to Zeal & Ardor.

Gagneux comments, “Devil Is Fine was not created thinking that this many would ever hear it. There is no stylistic compromise or pandering on it. Only things I personally like.”

Zeal & Ardor intend to bring the live experience to Europe in Spring 2017. When asked earlier this year by toiletovhell about performing live, Gagneux commented, “I’d really like it to be somewhere between a concert and a seriously f*cked up play. Not just something people haven’t heard before, but something people have never seen before, leaving them frightened, weak, and loving it. That is the thing I’m currently striving for.” The following dates are now on sale:

Rocking across the Bay @ Planet Rockstock

Rocking across the Bay, it must be the first week in December, Trecco Bay, Porthcawl and Planet Rockstock hits town the rocking jamboree from Planet Rock with three days and nights of live music. Bluesdoodles had a rocking good time Rockstock is a brilliantly organised festival, thanks to the hard work, smiles of everyone involved backs stage and throughout the resort. The sound was of the highest quality, the lighting electrified the stage, change over between the bands was kept to a minimum and the background music entertained, the Trecco Crew where helpful serving us coffee, food, beer always with a smile. When Stage 1 was silent during the day there was plenty of music on stage two, a quiz, auditions for Darren’s DIY band. This made the festival friendly, fun and a pleasure to be part of – now what about the rock music.

Rocking across the Bay – Friday Night:-

… the stage was set and the film reel rolled as a dramatic opening for the festival using Star Wars to relate the history whetting our appetites as we cheered for the first of many times the exploits of Wyatt and his magnificent Bike ride to Trecco Bay raising over £33, 000 for the nominated charity CALM. Then Inglorious hit the stage at a high-octane speed with real energy. Inglorious packed a punchy set and the forthcoming self-titled album is waited with even more anticipation by many who heard the band play live for the first time. Inglorious have been getting loads of attention including airplay on Planet Rock and they didn’t disappoint. Breakaway their single was played with rocky riffs and Nathan’s vocals are the perfect tonal shape and control to front a rock band that means business and wants to excite. The debut self-titled album will be in demand when released in February 2016.
Inglorious Gallery

What a start how to follow that with blues that rock courtesy of South African mega-guitarist Dan Patlansky and he rocked the blues out of Trecco bay. The wind may have been howling outside but inside it was the guitar storm that had everyone mesmerised. Focusing on the deft lay of fingers on the six strings, we heard from the album Dear Silence Thieves. Every time I hear him pay live I feel the passion and the music just gets better his manipulation of the six strings, in fact the whole guitar needs to be seen to be believed. You know when he starts to manipulate the guitar strings you are going to hear and see dynamic guitar that is magic. What a start with young guns on the UK music scene igniting the stage.

The Dead Daisies, a supergroup that plays rock they want to share and enjoy the interaction with the audience keeping the music fresh and live. Mixing original tracks including some from latest album Revolucion including the single Mexico they added there take on Hush getting in some crowd participation and All Right Now. John Corabi’s vocals were stunning having joined the band in 2015 he fitted perfectly and the 12 string acoustic added another tonal texture. The line-up is fluid tonight we saw a group of musicians who play to the crowd who just want to join in the fun full of energy a music collective that works this is a group that plays classic rock playing such great songs.

Closing the night were FM; regulars at Rockstock who closed the night with live music that ensured Friday night rocked; now for Saturday.

FM Gallery

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After auditions a short time to practice before the stage lights shone on Darren’s DIY bandIron Made-Up, taking a leaf out of The Dead Daisies the line-up varied not for a tour but for each song! This was Carosel rock – Foo Fighters, Learn To Fly with Wyatt on Drums rather than a bike! Sounded really good a cracking idea for a festival high-grade audience participation. Then re-building the drum kit for right-handed Kim as she kicked off the beat and Darren completed the rhythm section for I love Rock n Roll all too soon it was Living After Midnight with a flavour of Judas Priest. This is festival fun without mayhem and then the extra number with another line-up Si King and friends performing Wishing Well, what a great start to the Saturday night musical fun.

Rocking across the Bay – Saturday Night:-

Last year they rocked Stage Two and back again by popular demand on Stage One Gun Metal Gray. This is a young heavy rock band that gets deep into the groove of rock they distill the essence of rock in every beat and the lyrics. With the title track of the album played with verve and passion no wonder the merch desk was stormed as fans made tonight wanted a copy to take home.

They were followed by Heaven’s Basement who performed rock fuelled with British influence and sharp lyrics as they sang and shredded tracks including Lights Out in London and I Am Electric. The tempo rose and eased back on the throttle with bluesy influences and this is Rock n Roll that opens up the gates of hell rather than heaven!

Heaven’s Basement Gallery

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The blues today was handled byJoanne Shaw Taylor a rarity at the festival a trio where the focus was on a guitar and a woman performer. JST is no power trio, Joanne handles the fender with authentic R N B and lead breaks that take you deep into the land of music. Delighted that in the pick of tracks from her current album The Dirty Truth she played Wrecking Ball one of my favourites. Joanne distilled her emotional energy and angst deep into the guitar and her vocals rolled around the auditorium as she sang Tried Tested and True a low autobiographical number with a sharp quip at the beginning. More fans were won over to the blues side of rock tonight with her singing and guitar playing.Joanne Shaw Taylor Gallery

Then the headliners of the evening Rival Sons, the anticipation rose the standing area became a packed crush once again we all wanted to be up close and personal with this fantastic band the buzz at Rockstock rose to a crescendo of joy. Opening with Electric Man from Great Western Valkyrie the band hit a high note with a barnstorming opening and the crowds sung along and screamed with collective shared pleasure. This is a band that puts on a show and Jay gets the crowd excited with the crowd continuing to sing along after the song finishes the guitar playing rocked and rolled around the chords and the slide from guitarist Scott Holiday using a gun shape slide on his ring finger courtesy of Jetslide Guitar Slides all adds to the rocking event that is Rival Sons. Music comes first with layers of sound and then the rocking cherry on top of a stage show and presence that makes Rival Sons the complete rock package.

All too soon a rollicking Saturday night came to an end with everyone very satisfied, having enjoyed an array of bands during the day.

Sunday got off to a great start on Stage Two withBuffalo Summer and Cairo Sons being mentioned as the pick of the bands in lots of conversations why they played music that hit the spot and added layers of rock tone to the proceedings with some individuality and many were disappointed that Buffalo Summer ran out of CDs the demand outdid supply.

Rocking across the Bay – Sunday Night:-

Sunday evening on Stage One kicked off with Scorpion Child and finished with The Darkness with a full range of bands interpretations of rock in between. Scorpion Child’s use of synth keys to add to the rhythm section combined with punchy riffs from lead guitar caught your attention. This was a short set and may not have given the band scope to expand and shape the music. They certainly opened the evening and got the crowds in a rocking mood.Scorpion Child Gallery

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Many were excited to hear Crobot, for me this was the band that impressed me the least over the weekend. For me the head banging and antics on stage did nothing to add and in a way disguised the quality of the music. The bass player’s attire or lack of it left nothing to the imagination. As ever music is subjective and many loved them.

Crobot Gallery

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Danko Jones a rare power trio followed as he delivered fast furious and frantic rock. Danko’s tongue curled around and shaped the lyrics ass he spat them out like crushed gravel, Danko Jones knew how to entertain with quips and songs that connect to a Sunday night crowd who wanted the music to be fun this is music from a stalwart of a festival a crowd pleaser.

Danko Jones Gallery

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Fozzy up next another powerful entrance with Chris Jericho wearing a jacket of jewels that glittered like a Christmas Tree. This is a band full of the theatrical combined with heavy metal that wanted the crowd tonight at Planet Rockstock to participate and we were happy to oblige. This was a set of heavy, grungy sound, it was a great set full of hefty numbers and then a great take on ABBA’s SOS. Proving once again a great song written well can be reinterpreted across the spectrum that is music. For a few minutes there was a sixth member – Gregory in the crowd who held the microphone, this is festival fun at its best combined with music that went down a storm.

Fozzy Gallery

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All too soon it was the final set of Planet Rockstock 2015 – The Darkness. Justin Hawkins in a silky suit and his hair cropped ruled the stage and the audience. They blew the roof off with the opening number, despite the sound on vocals being poor. This was quickly rectified. Then the snare drum was replaced but the banter between Justin and the audience was entertainment in itself as Rufus Taylor the drummer and crew sorted the drum kit into working order once again. The high notes from Justin were electrifying and adding a cowbell and this certainly is a band with chemistry. British Rocking and rolling that pleases closing the festival on a high energy riff that will sustain us all until next year.
Bluesdoodles, had fun heard bands live for the first time took far too many photographs and met many people. Bluesdoodles says hi to you all and a special shout out and thank you to Claire and Vincent from Coventry who stood up front he whole weekend and made sure that I could get back up front to take the photographs that hopefully captures the essence of the weekend.

The Darkness Gallery

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Planet Rockstock organisers deserve applause and all the plaudits as they managed to weave the variations within the rock family and created a festival where bands reflect the wide ranging tastes of everyone. Talking to people there was approval for the guitar wizardry of Joanne Shaw Taylor and Dan Patlansky from the Blues corner – Gun Metal Gray for many was the band of the weekend also mentioned in dispatches must be Rivals Sons and The Dead Daisies. Summing up Planet Rockstock in three words, organised rocking fun. Rocking across the bay 2016 is going to be even more fun until then there is wall to wall rock playing over at Planet Rock Radio.

NEW ALBUM RELEASED: FRIDAY 29th JANUARY 2016

Runrig release The Story – their 14th and final studio album on Friday 29th January, 2016. The 11-track album brings the curtain down on a remarkable and unique recording career.

The new album will be released on Deluxe CD format that comes with an exclusive 32-page booklet, a 2-disc gatefoldvinyl with bonus track (The Story – radio edit), and digital download. The album is released on Runrig’s own independent label, Ridge Records.

The band will support the new album with a 14-date Scottish/UK tour that starts at theAberdeen Music Hall on Wednesday 10th February.

Having celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2013, Runrig have taken the decision to embark on one final creative journey into the studio. The result is The Story; an album of emotional resonance and reflection, placing at its heart, a narrative that is very much part of the band itself.

“This is the band’s last studio recording, a hugely significant milestone for us all and one that we really want to celebrate,” says Rory McDonald – Runrig’s bass guitarist, backing vocalist and one of their original founding members.

The Story was produced by the band’s youngest member, keyboard player, Brian Hurren. From the outset, Brian expressed a strong desire to drive the production agenda on this project, bringing to the table his exceptional musical and audio skills, along with a unique perspective on the historic sound of the band.

The result is an outstanding album of raw beauty, both celebratory and nostalgic, with a sound palette that ranges from the contemporary, to some of the sonic milestones that are so ubiquitous to Runrig’s past.
This is a hugely significant album for the band. It’s an album that wears its heart firmly on its sleeve.

“One of the highlights of the album was being able to go to Prague to record the 32- piece Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, says Brian Hurrren, who produced the new album and plays keyboards, accordion and sings backing vocals. “It was an incredible experience and it really helped to bring out the emotion in the songs.”

Adds original founding member, percussionist and songwriter Calum MacDonald – “There are many stories on the album but none more so than that of the band itself. A lot of the material and Brian’s production taps into that – and it’s fair to say that a number of the songs have a definite reflective quality.”

The title track, The Story, is available now, and is accompanied with a music video – a powerful uplifting presentation of one man’s relationship with his culture and with his past, and the hold these memories still have over his life and the stories inside all of us.

The single ‘The Story’ sung by Rory, starts of in Gaelic, before bursting into an upbeat chorus and then into an euphoric almost dance beat instrumental with Runrig’s trade mark soaring guitars and Brian’s keyboard wizardry, and of course Runrig’s usual fantastic thought provoking lyrics which really do tell a story – make sure you check out the YouTube video too!

It’s a unique sound, created and sung by talented musicians that comes from the heart, a sound as vast and magnificent as the great Scottish landscape which inspires it! Can’t wait to see them live in 2016, if you haven’t then you are missing out on an amazing experience! If this is Runrig’s last story to tell, then I can’t think of a more fitting song to end it on.

Muscle Shoals’ singer/songwriter Dylan LeBlanc returns with his third release, Cautionary Tale, which hits January 15 on Single Lock Records. LeBlanc’s first two releases were the acclaimed 2010 recordings Pauper’s Field and 2012’s Cast The Same Old Shadow. With his reflective, mournful songs that belied his age, critics previously hailed the young singer; The Guardian noted that LeBlanc was “favourably compared with Harvest-era Neil Young and country-folk breakouts Fleet Foxes.” The title track “Cautionary Tale” is available today at all digital outlets; buy it on iTunes HERE.

After the success of his first two albums, LeBlanc slipped into a blur of booze and self-doubt. At just 23-years-old, Dylan came home to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to write a new life for himself. In between the moments of clarity and a few familiar falls, he wrote Cautionary Tale: a collection of shimmering, arresting songs with the same haunting vocals that caught the attention of Lucinda Williams and Bruce Springsteen, now with a sharpened edge honed by hastened maturity.

Cautionary Tale features Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) and is produced by John Paul White (Civil Wars) and Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes). White and Tanner perform on the release as well. Tastemaker NPR affiliate KCRW has been the first supporter of LeBlanc’s new music, since highlighting the title track this summer.

About Dylan Leblanc, John Paul White notes: “I’m extremely fortunate to have been involved with this record. He’s weathered many storms, came out wiser, and we all now benefit – because this record wouldn’t exist without those trials and tribulations. It continuously rides that fine line between empowerment and despair. “

LeBlanc has been getting rave reviews on the road, at sold-out shows with George Ezra and David Ramirez in the States. UK shows to be announced soon.